https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/yuanping/best-things-to-do/10073014900000
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Yuanping [2025]
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Yungang Grottoes
4.8
/5
30931 reviews
8.9
From MYR 5.89
Based on 996 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8603527992666
Address: No. 1, Yungang Town, Yungang District, Datong City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Stroll through the grottoes and explore Forty Caves
59,000+ stone sculptures inside caves
Saved by 807 users24077 positive reviews
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The Yungang Grottoes, formerly known as the Wuzhou Mountain Grottoes Temple, are a World Cultural Heritage site and a national 5A-level scenic area. Located on the southern slope of Wuzhou (Zhou) Mountain, about 16 kilometers west of Datong City, Shanxi Province, the grottoes cover an area of over 18,000 square meters. Carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty's establishment of its capital in Pingcheng, they are one of my country's three major grottoes. In March 1961, they were designated as one of the first batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council. In December 2001, they were approved by UNESCO to be included in the World Cultural Heritage List. In May 2007, they became one of the first batch of national 5A-level tourist attractions.
Yungang Grottoes: Although the scenic area is large, the actual caves only stretch for 1 kilometer from east to west. There's a small screening room just inside the main gate, where an introductory film plays every two minutes (13 minutes total). It's recommended to watch this before visiting the main site. There are 45 main caves, but only the first 20 are truly royal constructions and offer the best views. The later caves were built by local officials and nobles after the capital was moved to Luoyang, and their construction ceased. These smaller caves are incomparable to the first 20.
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Jinci Museum
4.8
/5
14166 reviews
8.6
From MYR 47.07
Based on 119 reviews
Taiyuan Ancient County/Jinci Temple | >100 km from downtown
Phone +864006088608
Address: In Jinci Park, Jinyuan District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Growing Buddhist Relics Tower overlooking Jinci's panorama
Jinci's Three Treasures showcase ancient architectural charm
Saved by 145 users11020 positive reviews
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A place worth spending a day in! 👍 It was a bit crowded today; I believe it would be more comfortable to visit the Inner Eight Scenic Spots on a weekday than on the weekend.
A new cave where you encounter things and events from thousands of years ago, and a truly moving experience 🌹 A must-see when visiting Taiyuan.
My second visit to Jinci Temple, from winter to autumn, was to witness the vibrant colors of the ancient trees. People took photos under the towering ginkgo trees, appreciating the beauty of nature. It was a beautiful thought to imagine that decades or even centuries ago, some people lingered here, perhaps even reflecting on past lives. The ancient cypress trees, which I couldn't help but admire repeatedly, have witnessed countless changes in the world, silently watching people come and go, like wise elders. To encounter Jinci Temple at its most beautiful time is a blessing.
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Pingyao Ancient City
4.6
/5
21316 reviews
8.5
From MYR 72.37
Based on 1,383 reviews
Inside Pingyao Ancient City | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8603545690000
Address: No. 58 Zhaobi South Street, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Highlights:
Enjoy stunning sunset views from the city wall in the evening
World-class photography exhibition
Saved by 476 users13517 positive reviews
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Overall, the ancient town is quite nice, with a classic and antique charm. It's generally well-preserved, but the commercial atmosphere is too strong, and the planning needs improvement. It's a bit chaotic and noisy, and there's much room for improvement. In general, there are many things to see, and I recommend taking a guided tour.
The ancient city is particularly simple and primitive, without too much commercial atmosphere. The interior space is large and it is worth a day to slowly appreciate it. The consumption inside the ancient city is very good. The overall feeling is great and it is worth coming again!
No.
4
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Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
4.8
/5
15910 reviews
8.4
From MYR 28.25
Based on 182 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8603495088889
Address: Northwest corner of Yingxian city, Shuozhou city
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
11-foot Buddha statue inside
Panoramic views of nature & history
Saved by 141 users14660 positive reviews
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It's definitely worth a visit. I still vividly remember the moment I stepped through the gate after getting my ticket and saw the wooden pagoda. My friend and I were so focused on getting inside that we didn't realize we were fast-forwarding. When we turned around, the pagoda was right in front of us, and it was incredibly impressive. I can still recall that feeling of awe. We went during the off-season, so the sun was shining brightly, and there weren't many people. We leisurely admired it for a long, long time.
It is truly hard to imagine how the ancients built such a magnificent tower, which has withstood wind, rain, snow, lightning strikes, earthquakes, and even wars. It is a great tower, a testament to the superb art of the ancients, and deserves to be visited and admired by every Chinese person.
No.
5
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Xuankong Temple
4.7
/5
9898 reviews
8.4
From MYR 8.83
Based on 793 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8603528333081
Address: At the foot of Hengshan Mountain in the southeastern suburb of Wuyuan County, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Admire Exquisite Wood Carved Murals Along the Plank Road
Cliffside's breathtaking architecture
Saved by 748 users7453 positive reviews
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The Hanging Temple (a national cultural relic) is located in Ciyangxia, Hengshan Mountain, 4 kilometers southeast of Hunyuan County, Datong City, Shanxi Province. It is a temple complex integrating Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, situated approximately 60 meters above the ground.
It was first built in the 15th year of the Taihe reign of the Northern Wei Dynasty (491 AD). It has been repaired throughout the dynasties. During the Jin and Yuan dynasties, the south and north buildings, along with the suspended walkway, largely formed the current spatial layout. The existing buildings are mainly from the Ming and Qing dynasties. (Filming location for Black Myth: Wukong) The temple gate faces south, with the west side considered the main entrance. It is a wooden frame structure with a multi-layered horizontal layout running north-south. The overall layout is "one courtyard and two buildings," with a suspended temple courtyard at the south end and two suspended flying buildings at the north end.
It is one of the earliest and best-preserved high-altitude wooden cliff-side buildings in China. The great Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai inscribed the words "Magnificent" on the cliff face. The great Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake exclaimed it as "a magnificent sight under heaven."
In the first year of the Tianxing era of the Northern Wei Dynasty (398 AD), the Northern Wei established its capital in Pingcheng (present-day Datong City). Before his death, Kou Qianzhi (365-448 AD), a Taoist master of the Northern Wei, left a will: to build a temple in the sky, so as to "reach the heavenly guests above and sever the hustle and bustle below." Afterwards, his disciples raised funds from various sources, carefully selected a site, and designed the temple. The Hanging Temple was completed in the fifteenth year of the Taihe era of the Northern Wei Dynasty (491 AD).
Travel Guide
Transportation: Bus 901 goes directly there, running once an hour, taking 2.5 hours. The last bus departs at 6 PM. However, sometimes the bus doesn't stop.
Ticket Price: Located within the Hengshan Scenic Area, the outer perimeter ticket is 15 yuan, and the climbing ticket is 100 yuan. Reservations must be made one week in advance through "Beiyue Yunyou" (Northern Yue Cloud Tour). (Free for those over 60 years old; military personnel with preferential treatment cards need to purchase a climbing ticket). Shuttle bus fare between Hengshan attractions is 20 yuan. (Not recommended for those with a fear of heights)
Time: 1-2 hours
Accommodation and Meals: Stay overnight in Hunyuan Ancient Town. Taxi fare to Hengshan is 10 yuan. The local specialty, liangfen (cold noodles), can be made in six or seven different flavors.
Nearby Attractions: Datong Ancient Town, Yungang Grottoes, Yong'an Temple, Yuanjue Temple Brick Pagoda, Hanging Temple, Hengshan Mountain, Jueshan Temple Pagoda, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda.
🏯 Hanging Temple, DatongVisited the amazing Hanging Temple today — a 1,500-year-old wooden temple literally clinging to a cliff! 😲 Walking on those narrow walkways was both thrilling and a bit scary, but the view and history made it totally worth it. What an incredible sight! 🌄✨
No.
6
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Dazhao Temple
4.7
/5
7910 reviews
8.3
From MYR 20.60
Based on 139 reviews
Dazhao Temple / Saishang old street | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8604716303154
Address: Dazhao Street, Yuquan District, Hohhot City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
10-yard golden dragon & mural
Grand blessing ceremony on Lantern Festival
Saved by 341 users5082 positive reviews
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Jokhang Temple, the oldest Yellow Sect temple in Hohhot, has a wide-ranging influence in Inner Mongolia.
A renowned tourist destination with excellent value, its magnificent temple architecture, precious cultural relics and artwork, and the mysterious Chamu dance and Buddhist music constitute the Jokhang Temple's "Temple Culture," making it a truly worthwhile experience. The recommended duration of the visit is approximately three hours.
This is a particularly worthwhile attraction in Hohhot. The Jade Buddha made the strongest impression. While the other halls were crowded, standing before the Jade Buddha felt incredibly sacred.
The entire temple exudes the power of faith.
No.
7
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Whistling Dune Bay
4.3
/5
4775 reviews
8.2
From MYR 70.61
Based on 81 reviews
Xiangshawan | >100 km from downtown
Phone +864008785550
Address: Dalad, Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Breathtaking desert views & panorama
Camel rides in the desert
Saved by 321 users3065 positive reviews
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A day at Xiangshawan was like stepping onto a joyful alien planet!
The fun can be summed up in two words: pure and simple! Walking barefoot into the soft, warm sand was incredibly satisfying. Riding in a giant cable car deep into the desert, your heart and mind expanded along with the expansive view.
The most exhilarating ride was the dune buggy – like a roller coaster, plunging and drifting between dunes, everyone screaming and laughing. Riding camels in a line, listening to the tinkling camel bells, slowly swaying across the boundless sea of sand, felt like stepping onto the Silk Road.
For the adventurous, sandboarding is a must. Swooping down dunes dozens of meters high, the wind whipping past your ears – so thrilling! When you're tired, lie on the sand and watch the clouds; the world is just blue and yellow, so pure it makes you want to sing.
This place isn't just scenery; it's a giant playground. All your worries are blown away by the wind, leaving only a wild and carefree heart!
A day at Xiangshawan was like stepping onto a joyful alien planet!
The fun can be summed up in two words: pure and simple! Walking barefoot into the soft, warm sand was incredibly satisfying. Riding in a giant cable car deep into the desert, your heart and mind expanded along with the expansive view.
The most exhilarating ride was the dune buggy – like a roller coaster, plunging and drifting between dunes, everyone screaming and laughing. Riding camels in a line, listening to the tinkling camel bells, slowly swaying across the boundless sea of sand, felt like stepping onto the Silk Road.
For the adventurous, sandboarding is a must. Swooping down dunes dozens of meters high, the wind whipping past your ears – so thrilling! When you're tired, lie on the sand and watch the clouds; the world is just blue and yellow, so pure it makes you want to sing.
This place isn't just scenery; it's a giant playground. All your worries are blown away by the wind, leaving only a wild and carefree heart!
No.
8
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Little Western Paradise
4.8
/5
4070 reviews
8.2
From MYR 20.60
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8603576733033
Address: Xiaoxitian, Xicheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2 hours
Highlights:
Check out Black Myth: Wukong
Ancient Zen temple from Ming
3757 positive reviews10K views in last month
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The scenery is beautiful and the climate is pleasant. The suspended sculptures in the Mahavira Hall are stunning. Even after hundreds of years, the colors are still vibrant. The Buddha statues are diverse in form and style, combining Chinese and Western elements, which perfectly showcases the wisdom and exquisite craftsmanship of the Chinese people!
Xiaoxitian Temple is a national treasure trove that is well worth visiting. Reservations are essential because the area is small, ensuring a pleasant viewing experience and protecting the cultural relics from overdevelopment. I hope to see the vibrant hanging carvings again in a few years.
No.
9
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Huayan Monastery
4.8
/5
10407 reviews
8.1
From MYR 23.54
Based on 147 reviews
Ancient City Tourist Cultural Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8603522042001
Address: No. 459 Xia Sipo Street, Datong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Saved by 167 users8553 positive reviews
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Huayan Temple is definitely worth a visit, possessing both the grandeur of ancient architecture and the visual impact of modern technology. I especially loved the ancient temple's silhouette against the setting sun, and even more so the exquisite murals inside…
Located in Pingcheng District, Datong City, the Huayan Pagoda was first built in the seventh year of the Chongxi reign of the Liao Dynasty (1038). Named after the Avatamsaka Sutra, it also served as a royal ancestral temple. In 1961, it was listed as one of the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units. A major tourist attraction in Datong, it's worth seeing, including the Huayan Pagoda and the Thousand Buddha Underground Palace. The statues also have unique features.
No.
10
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Yanmenguan
4.7
/5
5868 reviews
8.0
From MYR 32.37
Based on 5 reviews
52.2 km from downtown
Phone +8603506100519
Address: Daixian, Xinzhou, Shanxi, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Yang Family's legendary statue
Walk ancient Great Wall path
4931 positive reviews10K views in last month
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It is worthy of being called the No. 1 Pass in the World. The terrain is dangerous and the scenery is breathtaking. It has a rich history. Many heroes from ancient times to the present have gathered here to defend their country and compose heroic songs! There are not enough toilets in the scenic area, and they need to be cleaned in time!
I booked the trip online and was quite nervous at first, but the driver called me promptly and picked me up at the hotel on time. He was a very good driver and very friendly. It was a great trip experience and I have already recommended it to my friends!
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